Journal
AGING CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Volume 29, Issue 4, Pages 567-577Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-016-0617-3
Keywords
Ageing; Back muscles; Hyperkyphosis; Osteoporosis; Posture
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Funding
- NIAMS NIH HHS [P50 AR063043] Funding Source: Medline
- NIA NIH HHS [R01 AG041921] Funding Source: Medline
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The present study aims to qualitatively review the contributing factors and health implications of age-related hyperkyphosis. We conducted a narrative review of observational and cohort studies describing the risk factors and epidemiology of hyperkyphosis from 1955 to 2016 using the following key words: kyphosis, hyperkyphosis, posture, age-related hyperkyphosis, kyphotic posture, aetiology and causes. This review included 77 studies. Approximately 60-70 % of the most severe hyperkyphosis cases have no evidence of underlying vertebral compression fractures. Other proposed factors contributing to hyperkyphosis are degenerative disc disease, weakness of back extensor muscles and genetic predisposition. Strength and endurance of back extensor muscles are very important for maintaining normal postural alignment. Recent evidence suggests that age-related hyperkyphosis is not equivalent to spinal osteoporosis. Due to the negative impact of hyperkyphosis on physical function, quality of life and mortality rates, physicians should focus not only on osteoporosis, but also on age-related postural changes. More research about the relationship between spinal morphology and modifiable factors, especially the structural and functional parameters of trunk muscles, could further illuminate our understanding and treatment options for hyperkyphosis.
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